Honeywell expands connected aircraft solutions to the most ‘overlooked part of aerospace’

Honeywell is expanding its GoDirect connected services to one of the last unconnected aerospace frontiers, the ground.

A new agreement with global telematics company Pinnacle will enable the two companies to connect an airport’s ramp service into one single, managed solution that provides airlines and ground handlers with real-time insights into vehicle activity anywhere at the airport. The result is better on-time performance, lower maintenance costs and greater fuel efficiency.

A connected ramp solution from Honeywell and Pinnacle creates a new way for airlines and airports to increase safety and efficiency. Telematics hardware on ground vehicles transmits data, which feeds into advanced software that give airlines and ground handlers actionable data at their fingertips. This combination of connectivity and telematics provides real-time insights into vehicle use and maintenance requirements, as well as exact locations of all ramp operations. Airlines and ground handlers can utilize predictive maintenance for ground support equipment and also see reduced fuel costs for planes due to quicker turnaround times on the ground.

“The ability to provide ramp operators with connected services combined with telematics creates a new connected ramp reality that addresses one of the last untapped areas in the aerospace industry,” said Kristin Slyker, vice president, Connected Aircraft, Honeywell Aerospace. “We’re ready to implement this new approach today for any customer ready to improve safety and operational efficiency on the ramp — from the moment an aircraft lands until that same aircraft is airborne again.”

Emirates will introduce a daily A380 service for a temporary period between Glasgow and Dubai from 16 April 2019. It will be the first time the popular double decker aircraft will operate on a scheduled basis to Scotland.